Severe thunderstorms and a tornado watch forced the Central York commencement services indoors, where nearly 400 students received their diplomas.

Student speaker David Hodgson reminded his fellow classmates of their class motto, which is a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

Hodgson said that no dream is crazy or stupid.

"My dream is to get my master's in music and one day sing professionally in Europe. It's gonna be a lot of work, or at least that's what my mom keeps telling me, but it's my dream. It's not your dream. What is your dream? Believe in yourself and you'll go far," he said.

Salutatorian Andrew Belnick said that up until this point, the graduates' lives had been like a coloring books.

"It was laid out, but we all had the freedom to color these books with any color we want. Some of us chose to use only shades of gray. Tomorrow the coloring book is gone and it will be replaced with a blank canvas. What will you put on your canvas?" he said.

Valedictorian Rachel Freer told her classmates, "Life is a gift and there is no right or wrong way to use it." Quoting "Harry Potter" headmaster Albus Dumbledore, she said, "It does not do well to dwell on dreams and forget to live."

"Each and every one of you is a genius in some way. Everyone has at least one talent. Discover your endowment and use it to your full potential," Freer said.

Superintendent Michael Snell said author Seth Godin describes a linchpin as someone who is an essential element of holding the organization together.

"Who was the linchpin in your journey here tonight? A coach, a friend or family member, a teacher?" he asked. "I encourage you as you leave here to become someone's linchpin, become indispensible."